BY PHUMELELE GAMEDZE ( INTERN)
MBABANE – An ambitious E1.2 billion (US$65 million) digital transformation programme is set to reshape education, healthcare, government services and internet access across Eswatini, with hundreds of institutions earmarked for broadband connectivity and digital modernization.
The Ministry of ICT is currently training Change Agents from various government ministries at Hilton Garden Inn Mbabane to spearhead the implementation of the Eswatini Digital Project, one of the country’s largest technology investments to date.
The project seeks to increase access to affordable broadband internet while strengthening government’s capacity to deliver digital public services. Among the direct beneficiaries are 859 schools, 134 health centres and 38 Tinkhundla centres that will be connected to broadband infrastructure.
Of the E1.2 billion investment, approximately E648 million (US$36 million) has been allocated to the Affordable Broadband component, making it the largest share of the project. This funding will support the stabilization and reform of the Eswatini Posts and Telecommunications Corporation (EPTC), expansion of national fibre networks, last mile connectivity and reforms aimed at creating a more competitive and accessible broadband market.
Within this component alone, E468 million (US$26 million) has been earmarked for EPTC stabilization and reform, E144 million (US$8 million) for national broadband market expansion and E36 million (US$2 million) for legal, regulatory and institutional ICT reforms.
Another E450 million (US$25 million) has been allocated to the “Government in Your Hand” component, which focuses on bringing public services closer to citizens through technology. The funding will support the development of Digital Public Infrastructure, digitalization of priority government services and digital skills development.
@eswatini.positive We bring you FIFA World Cup analysis on today’s episode of EPN Sports Talk. Enjoy as our football experts break down yesterday’s matches, including Argentina’s impressive 2–0 victory over Austria, a result that strengthened their position in the tournament. DailyEPNSportsTalk FIFAWorldCup WorldCup2026 Argentina Austria FootballAnalysis SoccerTalk EPNSports FootballExperts WorldCupUpdates
♬ original sound – Eswatini Positive News – Eswatini Positive News
Under this component, approximately E207 million (US$11.5 million) will be invested in Digital Public Infrastructure, while another E207 million (US$11.5 million) will be used to digitalize priority government services. A further E36 million (US$2 million) will support digital skills development for public servants and students.
The remaining E72 million (US$4 million) has been reserved for programme management, monitoring, evaluation and capacity building to ensure the successful implementation of the project.
Officials say the investment is about more than installing fibre cables and digital platforms. The long term vision is to create a digitally inclusive Eswatini where citizens can access services online, learners can benefit from digital education, healthcare facilities can operate more efficiently and businesses can thrive in a connected economy.
For rural communities, the project promises to narrow the digital divide by extending connectivity to underserved areas and ensuring that no emaSwati is left behind in the country’s digital future.
As Change Agents prepare to champion the initiative within their respective institutions, the E1.2 billion investment is expected to leave a lasting footprint in schools, clinics, communities and government offices across the Kingdom.
#EswatiniDigitalProject #DigitalTransformation #BroadbandForAll #ICTEswatini
